Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in honour of the annual Women’s Memorial March:

“Every year on Feb. 14, people gather in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. What began 35 years ago as a small memorial, has become an annual march for thousands of people to commemorate and grieve the loss of beloved friends and relatives who have been murdered or are missing.

“Today is an opportunity for British Columbians to reflect, honour and join in solidarity with marchers. In Canada, Indigenous women and girls are disproportionally attacked and murdered. Recognizing this reality is the first step to keeping Indigenous women and girls safe.

“Our government is committed to working with Indigenous communities and organizations to build a province that is safer for Indigenous women and girls. We recognize and uphold the importance of Indigenous-led approaches that focus on Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, justice systems and structures that support Indigenous-led healing and well-being for survivors and their families.

“On this day, and every day, we stand with survivors and honour the memories of those we have lost in tragedy. We recommit to ending racism and gender-based violence so all people in British Columbia are safe and free from discrimination.”

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said:

“Today, we gather to honour and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Everyone deserves to live in communities where they are safe from gender-based violence and racism. Thank you to everyone who stands up, speaks out and is leading the way to safer and more inclusive communities across the province.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“We grieve alongside families, survivors and communities for all those missing or murdered, and we honour the courage of those who gather for the Women’s Memorial March. We know the profound loss is felt across generations and we hear the calls for justice, safety and lasting change. We are committed to concrete action with Indigenous partners to end the violence and build a future where every Indigenous woman, girl and 2SLGBTQIA+ person is safe, valued and protected.”  

Amshen (Joan Phillip), MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, said:

“The march is a call to end gender-based violence and racism, a moment to support one another through shared grief. It raises awareness that the levels of violence experienced by Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people are disproportionately high. Our government hears these calls and remains committed to addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and racism so everyone is safe, no matter who they are.”